Stepping Into Week Two
As I step into week two of chemotherapy, I find myself looking back at what last week held, what it asked of me, what it revealed, and how the Lord met me in it. I’m gathering up the strength and courage He so faithfully provided, and carrying it with me into this next stretch.
A Glimpse of Friday
I wanted to share a glimpse of where I was by Friday afternoon.
At 7:15 p.m., I took my final chemo pills for week one. I already know I’m going to cherish the weekends. Things started getting difficult Tuesday afternoon, and while I’ve found a few things that help, it’s been a learning curve. I’ve really wanted to avoid adding more medications, such as for nausea, so I’ve been experimenting with different things, leaning into rest, and the detox rhythm Dr. Cochran prescribed. After morning chemo and radiation, my body seems to insist on sleep — and I’ve been listening.
A Hard Morning
Friday morning, though, was rough. I felt dizzy, cold, and completely worn down. I drank a quart and a half of water to prepare for radiation (full bladder requirement), but when the scan finished and the machine went quiet, I knew something was off. The mechanism moved into position without activating (no radiation) and I thought, “Oh no… not again.”
Sure enough, the tech came in and told me I needed more water, my bladder was only half full. I couldn’t believe it. He suggested I might be dehydrated and that my body might be soaking up the water. So back out to the lobby I went, feeling chilled, dizzy, and honestly just wanting to be home in bed. He gave me extra time while he took other patients, and eventually we got there—though by then I felt like I might not make it through the session without running to the bathroom. We made it work.
Recovery Mode
When I got home, I went straight into my recovery rhythm — rinsing off, applying green clay to the radiated area, castor oil wrap on my tummy, and on my hands and feet (trying to stay ahead of hand and foot syndrome), pulling on cotton gloves and socks, turning on my healing worship playlist… and falling asleep almost instantly.
An hour later, I got up, showered, washed everything off, and carefully darkened the alignment marks the techs rely on for radiation. (If I don’t keep them visible, the alternative is tattoos—so I’m doing my part!) Then came my usual Friday mistletoe injection, which still amazes me when I think about how much has changed in the last two years considering my phobia surrounding needles.
A Turning Point: Hydration
After eating, I went in for IV therapy. I told Matt how I’d been feeling, and when I mentioned the possible dehydration, he added a 25 mg saline bag. The difference was noticeable and when I was on my way home, I felt like myself again.
It made me wonder how much of the struggle people experience during chemo and radiation is tied to dehydration. Both treatments are known to deplete the body. What if something as simple as intentional hydration could shift how people experience this process? I don’t know the full answer—but I do know what helped me.
The Emotional Side
Earlier that day, I found myself on the emotional “struggle bus,” wondering:
If this is week one… what will weeks five and six look like?
At the oncology office, the response was simply, “This is the way it goes.” But I’m so thankful that isn’t the only voice speaking into my journey. I’m very grateful for Dr. Cochran and my IVNV team — for their willingness to listen, adapt, and support me more personally.
Moving Forward
So this week, hydration is a major focus. My meals are mostly prepped to keep things simple. And my mindset?
One day at a time.
While also holding onto the vision of being on the other side of this — whole and healed.
A Prayer Request
We are reconsidering Phase 2 with my local oncologist and are feeling led to pursue care with Dr. Chen at Seattle Integrative Cancer Center instead. The chemotherapy my oncologist wants to use for that phase will be much harder on my body than Dr. Chen's plan. I just don't know that I can endure 4.5 months of that. The testimonies from patients of Dr. Chen keep standing out in my mind and how much easier the low dose chemo is on the body.
This would be a cash-pay path — no insurance — and it’s a big step of faith to believe for the provision needed in the next 5–7 weeks.
Would you pray with us?
Pray for wisdom.
Pray for creative solutions.
Pray for provision in ways only God can orchestrate.
Pray for those who feel led to give or share — to follow through with boldness and generosity.
And if you feel moved, would you consider sharing one or both of our fundraising links?
I’ve created a page called Ways to Support with details for both GoFundMe and Acts 10:38 Foundation (a nonprofit, making those donations tax-deductible).
I also want to take a moment to thank the Lord for the people He’s placed around me. The morning of my first treatment, I heard from several dear friends and family — and some of them have continued to check in with me every single morning since. It has been such a tangible expression of God’s care. On days when I’ve felt weary or uncertain, those messages have lifted me, steadied me, and reminded me that I am not alone. I feel incredibly blessed and deeply loved.
Holding On to Faith
I had hoped that getting through week one would bring a sense of ease or peace — but if I’m honest, I don’t feel that yet.
What I do feel is a quiet resolve. I am in it now.
And even as I look ahead to the final treatment day — Monday, June 8 — I’m learning that peace isn’t always found in knowing what’s coming… but in knowing Who is with me in it.
So I keep going.
One step.
One day.
One breath at a time.
Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith, through experience, produces endurance leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed in your faith, lacking in nothing. ~James 1:2-4 (AMP)
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